Child safety restraining device for use where a child is seated

ABSTRACT

A child safety restraining device comprising: (a) one ankle strap having a first end and a second end; (b) means for fastening the first end and the second end of the ankle strap to each other; (c) one anchor strap having a first end and a second end; (d) means for attaching the first end of the anchor strap and the ankle strap to each other; and (e) means for anchoring the second end of the anchor strap to an apparatus, e.g. a shopping cart, in which a child may be seated, at an anchoring point on the apparatus. Also provided are methods of using such a device to restrain seated children and increase their safety.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.10/292,237, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,623, filed on 12 Nov. 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to safety devices for children. Moreparticularly, it relates to child safety restraining devices for usewhere a child is seated, for example, a shopping cart, high-chair,stroller, infant seat, or similar apparatuses.

Shopping carts were introduced in the 1930's and in the followingdecades they were fitted with child seats, allowing child-caretakersmore freedom to move about while placing the child in what was believedto be a relatively safe and immobile position. While it took a long timefor adults to develop shopping carts, the period was brief beforechildren figured out how to escape from child seats, and unknowinglyplace themselves in danger of falling or other bodily peril. Mostshopping carts are presently equipped with a child carrier, eitherintegral or retro-fitted, designed such that children are in a seatedposition, facing the driver of the cart, straddling a divider betweenthe child's legs. This is also how many high-chairs, strollers, infantseats and other items in which children are seated, are designed, andthus the difficulties associated with restraining children in them aresimilar to those encountered with shopping carts.

Children often wiggle around in these seats and may reposition theirlegs so that both extend through the same side of the divider. This mayallow the child to slip through and fall or slip through only partiallyand become stuck therein, thus either dangling or causing the entirecart or chair to fall over. Some shopping carts or like apparatuses arefitted with safety belts to restrain a child's movements. U.S. Pat. No.5,378,046 (Gordy, et al.) describes a waist belt restraint. U.S. Pat.No. 5,263,726 (Wood) describes a safety belt that extends around thewaist and also between the legs of a child. U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,200(Howell) describes a child restraint seat including shoulder straps andlap straps that are crossed around a child. U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,521(Divoky, et al.) describes a child restraint system with a pair ofshoulder straps and a crotch strap. For high-chairs, U.S. Pat. No.6,247,750 (Tsai) describes a waist belt.

The safety systems provided in the art, however, suffer from variousshortcomings. Some are too complex for many consumers who desire simplersystems to operate. Complex systems may encourage non-use altogether, ormay result in partial or incorrect use, which may be more harmful to thechild than if no safety device were employed. Safety systems that onlyprovide waist restraint may be compromised by children who manage towiggle out of the waist strap and then may risk getting their neckscaught in the strap. Still other safety systems have fastening meansthat are within the grasp of the child and such means are liable to beunfastened by the child being restrained or accompanying children.Accordingly, there remains a need to provide a child safety restrainingdevice that is not unduly complex to properly operate, is more resistantto being wiggled-free from, is not likely to cause further risk if it iscompromised, and/or is less susceptible to being unfastened by the childit is intended to protect or by accompanying children.

It is desirable to have safety systems that may be either permanentlyattached or removably attached to the apparatus in which the child isseated. Removable ones may be susceptible to theft; however, they may beremoved and cleaned. Permanent ones reduce the opportunity for theft andavoid the need for caretakers to carry the systems with them whereverthey go. The skilled person will necessarily consider the circumstancesaround which the use of the device is contemplated to determine whetherto employ removable or permanent systems.

The applicants have found, surprisingly, that many of the abovementioned difficulties may be remedied with a child safety restrainingdevice that restrains a child's legs at or near the ankle, anchoring theleg to the apparatus in which the child is seated. Such child safetyrestraining devices comprise an ankle strap having ends that can befastened to each other, an anchor strap that can be attached to theankle strap at one end and can be anchored to the apparatus at anotherend.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a child safety restraining devicecomprising: (a) an ankle strap having a first end and a second end; (b)means for fastening the first end and the second end of the ankle strapto each other; (c) an anchor strap having a first end and a second end;(d) means for attaching the first end of the anchor strap and the anklestrap to each other; and (e) means for anchoring the second end of theanchor strap to an apparatus, e.g. a shopping cart, in which a child maybe seated, at an anchoring point on the apparatus. The invention alsorelates to methods of using such a device to restrain seated childrenand increase their safety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a child being restrained in a partiallyshown apparatus 200 by an embodiment of child safety restraining device10, wherein the apparatus is a shopping cart 200 a.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of child safetyrestraining device 10.

FIG. 3 is a partial view of an alternate embodiment of fastening means50.

FIG. 4 is a partial view of another alternate embodiment of fasteningmeans 50.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of an alternate embodiment of attaching means90.

FIG. 6 is a partial view of another alternate embodiment of attachingmeans 90 formed integrally with fastening means 50.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of anchor strap60 having intermediate segments 62 and 66, and fastening means 110.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of anchorstrap 60 in a “Y” conformation, having first ends 70 a and 70 b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a child safety restraining devicecomprising: an ankle strap, means for fastening the ends of the anklestrap to each other, an anchor strap, means for attaching an end of theanchor strap and the ankle strap to each other; and means for anchoringanother end of the anchor strap to an apparatus, e.g. a shopping cart,in which a child may be seated, at an anchoring point on the apparatus.The invention also relates to methods of using such a device to restrainseated children and increase their safety. These and other features aredescribed in detail below.

As used herein, the term “child” includes infants, toddlers, and otheryoung children who may be placed in child seats by adults or othercaretakers.

The descriptions of all references cited herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety, however the citing of any reference is byno way to be considered an admission that the same qualifies as priorart to the invention disclosed herein. Headings, paragraph breaks, andsection breaks are used merely for convenience. Unless otherwiseindicated, the articles “a” and “an” mean “one or more”.

A. The Child Safety Restraining Device

FIG. 1 shows a child being restrained in a partially shown apparatus 200in which a child may be seated (the apparatus partially shown isshopping cart 200 a) by an embodiment of child safety restraining device10. Device 10 comprises an ankle strap 20 and an anchor strap 60, whichare attached to each other, as described below. Anchor strap 60 isanchored to apparatus 200 aat an anchor point 210 on the apparatus.

Apparatuses that are suitable for use herein are those in which a childmay be seated and it may be desirable to restrict their unauthorizedattempts to exit the seat. The seat itself may be formed integrally withthe apparatus or it may be permanently or removably retrofitted.Non-limiting examples of such apparatuses are shopping carts,high-chairs, strollers, and infant seats.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of child safety restraining device 10. Anklestrap 20 has a first end 30 and second end 40. Device 10 also comprisesmeans 50 for fastening first end 30 and second end 40 to each other.Anchor strap 60 has a first end 70 and a second end 80. Device 10 alsocomprises means 90 for attaching first end 70 and ankle strap 20 to eachother. Device 10 also comprises means 100 for anchoring second end 80 toapparatus 200 (not shown in this FIG.) at an anchor point 210 (not shownin this FIG.) on the apparatus 200.

Ankle strap 20 is of sufficient length or is adjustable to such alength, to fit around a child's ankle comfortably, yet prevent the childfrom removing their ankle from the enclosure made by the strap when itsends are fastened to each other. It is not critical which of the ends ofankle strap 20 is designated “first end” or “second end”. Suitable means50 for fastening first end 30 and second end 40 to each other aredescribed below.

Anchor strap 60 is of sufficient length or is adjustable to such alength, to permit a child's leg to move about comfortably, yet restrainthe child in the seat in which they have been seated by anchoring device10 to apparatus 200 at anchor point 210. Suitable means 90 for attachingfirst end 70 of the anchor strap 60 and the ankle strap 20 to each otherare described below, as is the area for attaching to occur. Suitablemeans 100 for anchoring second end 80 to anchor point 210 are alsodescribed below.

For a shopping cart 200 a, anchor point 210 may typically be a pointalong the gridwork of wires that comprise the shopping cart. For a highchair 200 b (not shown), anchor point 210 may typically be a point alongthe legs or any structural bridge connecting legs of the chair. For astroller 200 c (not shown), anchor point 210 may typically be a pointalong the frame of the stroller chosen so as not to interfere with theoperation of the wheels. However, for each of these apparatuses andothers, any point that when anchored to, is useful generally inrestraining the child and specifically is useful in preventing anchorstrap 60 from being undesirably detached from the apparatus, is suitablefor being anchor point 210. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that the site selected for the anchor point 210 will vary with thetype, design, and dimensions of the apparatus 200. It is alsocontemplated by the Applicants that where an apparatus does not alreadycomprise a suitable site for the anchor point, such apparatus may bemodified by conventional means to further comprise such a site. Forexample, a U-bolt or other ring-containing article may be retro-fittedonto the apparatus.

To accommodate for differences in the design and dimensions of variousapparatuses 200, and also for differences in the dimension and activityof the child being restrained, the length of either strap 20, 60 may befitted with any suitable length adjuster, such as those typically andconventionally used for adjusting the length of straps for tote bags,backpacks, hand luggage, video camera cases, and the like, wherein thestrap is threaded through an adjuster and folded upon itself, with theadjuster being capable of sliding about the strap either increasing ordecreasing the strap's length. The width of ankle strap 20 and anchorstrap 60 may be selected independently, but they should be functionallyand aesthetically compatible with each other. Preferably, the straps 20,60 are shaped as substantially flat. When flat-shaped, each typicallyhas a width of less than or equal to about 2 inches (about 5.1 cm),preferably less than or equal to about 1.5 inches (about 3.8 cm), morepreferably less than or equal to about 1 inch (about 2.5 cm). Thethickness of the straps will depend on the material selected and shouldalso provide for functional and aesthetic compatibility.

In other embodiments, either or both of these straps may be shaped ascords. Typically the function of the anchor strap 60 makes it moreaccommodating to being shaped as a cord than the ankle strap 20, howeverwhere carefully done, it is possible to form ankle strap 20 as a cordalso. Extra caution must be taken if the ankle strap 20 is shaped as acord, as this may pose potential problems in use, e.g. due to risksinvolving reduced blood circulation and skin irritation, if applied tootightly around the child's ankle. When in the form of a cord, the cordwill typically has an average diameter, including any coatings, of lessthan or equal to about 1 inch (about 2.5 cm), preferably less than orequal to about 0.75 inches (about 1.9 cm), preferably less than or equalto about 0.5 inches (about 1.3 cm), more preferably less than or equalto about 0.25 inches (about 0.6 cm).

B. Fastening Means

The means 50 for fastening the first and second ends 30, 40 of anklestrap 20 to each other may comprise any structure or combination ofstructures that are suitable for connecting and disconnecting the firstend 30 and second end 40 in order to create and selectively release aloop comprising ankle strap 20 that encloses a child's ankle. Typicallysuch means will permit a caretaker to connect and disconnect first andsecond ends 30, 40 of ankle strap 20 upon applying a reasonable amountof force, when desired, however will prevent a child (either the onebeing restrained or another assisting in the restrained child'sunauthorized attempt to exit the seat) from doing the same. Thestructure(s) comprising such means may be dimensioned to reduce thediscomfort it may cause against the child's ankle. For example, they maybe curved to complement the contours of the ankle area.

Suitable fastening means for use herein include but are not limited to acoupler or coupler buckle, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No.5,378,046 (Gordy, et al.), wherein one part of the coupler is a boxside, with a retainer loop for the purpose of affixing permanently toone end of ankle strap 20, e.g. first end 30, by way of the first end 30being put through the retainer loop and connected back on ankle strap 20forming a closed loop. Non-limiting examples of permanent fixinginclude: weaving, braiding, stitching, riveting, gluing, stapling,clamping, and bolting. The other part of the coupler is a strapadjusting side, e.g. serpentine, which when another end of ankle strap20, e.g. second end 40, is put into and through its ladder bars, allowsfor ankle strap 20 to be adjusted. Also suitable for use herein aretwo-part buckles and split key rings such as those described in U.S.Pat. No 5,263,726 (Wood), wherein first end 30 is fitted to one part ofthe buckle or key ring, and second end 40 is fitted to the complimentarypart of the buckle or key ring. Such buckles as described in Wood may beprovided with means for permitting the length of the adjacent strap tobe adjusted. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2,fastening means 50 comprises a two-part buckle.

FIG. 3 shows a suitable embodiment of fastening means 50 involving ahook and loop system, e.g. VELCRO™. An exterior surface area 32 of firstend 30 and an interior surface area 42 of second end 40 may be providedwith opposite textures (i.e. hook on area 32 and loop on area 42 or viceversa), such that when area 32 is aligned with and pressed against area42 first and second ends 30 and 40 are fastened to each other.

FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of fastening means 50 involving ahook and loop system used in combination with retainer loop. A retainerloop 55 may be permanently affixed to first end 30. Suitable ways topermanently affix are described herein. An exterior surface area 44 ofsecond end 40 may be provided with separate regions of opposite texturesof the hook and loop system, such that when second end 40 is fed throughthe retainer loop 55 and folded back on itself, a substantial portion ofthe overlapping surface area comprises opposite textures of the hook andloop system, and the overlap portion stays fastened together.

When fastening means 50 comprises a hook and loop system, thisadvantageously allows easy fitting for various sizes of children'sankles, easy adjustment to correct erroneous sizing, and it presents afastening means with low complexity for the user. Also suitable for useherein in similar fashion is a web-matching system, e.g. WEB-MATE(trademark), and a hook and loop system available as SCOTCHMATE(trademark) from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (USA). As usedherein, a hook and loop fastening system refers to any fastening systemwherein the “hook” portion comprises multiple, shaped engaging elementsthat project from a backing, such elements being typically shaped ashooks, “T's”, “J's”, or like shapes, and wherein the “loop” portioncomprises multiple loops projecting from a backing, such loops typicallybeing fibrous, and wherein the hook and loop portions engage one anotherto provide a secure, yet releasable fastening.

Still yet, other suitable fastening means 50 may comprise oppositely (orat least sufficiently dissimilar to cause strong attraction) polarizedmagnets, wherein one magnet may be placed inside a buckle part to whichfirst end 30 is permanently affixed, and an oppositely polarized magnetmay be placed inside a complimentary buckle part that is adjustablyaffixed to second end 40.

C. Attaching Means

The means 90 for attaching ankle strap 20 and anchor strap 60 to eachother may comprise any structure or combination of structures that aresuitable for connecting ankle strap 20 and first end 70 of anchor strap60 to each other in a manner that keeps ankle strap 20 and anchor strap60 attached to each other and allows second end 80 to be anchored toanchor point 210 such that the child's leg is sufficiently secured tothe apparatus to prevent the child from undesirably exiting the seat.The attaching may occur at any part of ankle strap 20 where suchattaching does not interfere with the performance of fastening means 50.In a preferred embodiment, anchor strap 60 will be attached so that itslength is positioned substantially perpendicular to ankle strap 20, asis shown in FIG. 2.

The attachment of ankle strap 20 and anchor strap 60 by attachment means90 may be permanently fixed or non-permanently fixed, permanent fixingbeing preferred. For example, attachment may be made in a manner thatprevents first end 70 from movement about the length of ankle strap 20,e.g. by permanently fixing first end 70 to a selected site along anklestrap 20, as is shown in FIG. 2, wherein first end 70 may be alignedwith or folded over ankle strap 20, so that first end 70 either singlyor doubly (not shown) overlaps ankle strap 20, whereupon the overlappingportion may be permanently fixed to ankle strap 20. Permanent fixing isdescribed herein. Alternately, attachment may be made in a manner thatpermits first end 70 to move about, preferably slidably move about, asubstantial length of ankle strap 20, e.g. by looping first end 70 overankle strap 20 and back onto itself, whereupon the self-overlappingportion may be permanently fixed to anchor strap 60 at a location thatallows the loop formed thereby to slide along ankle strap 20, as isshown in FIG. 5. Permanent fixing is described herein.

In another preferred embodiment, fastening means 50 and attaching means90 may be formed integrally, as shown in FIG. 6. As shown, fasteningmeans 50 and attaching means 90 may comprise a T-coupler 140 thatadvantageously achieves the functions of both means 50, 90. In such anembodiment, T-coupler 140 may comprise two lateral retainer loopportions 142 a, 142 b which embody fastening means 50 and a medialretainer loop portion 144 which embodies attaching means 90. It is notcritical which of the lateral retainer loop portions is designated as142 “a” or “b”. Lateral retainer loop portion 142 a is dimensioned toallow first end 30 of ankle strap 20 to be permanently fixed to it, e.g.passing first end 30 through lateral retainer loop portion 142 a, thenfolding first end 30 back on itself, forming a closed loop, which maythen be permanently fixed as described herein. Lateral retainer loopportion 142 b is dimensioned to allow second end 40 of ankle strap 20 tobe adjustably fixed to it, e.g. an exterior surface area 44 of secondend 40 may be provided with separate regions of opposite textures of thehook and loop system, such that when second end 40 is fed throughlateral retainer loop portion 142 b and folded back on itself, asubstantial portion of the overlapping surface area comprises oppositetextures of the hook and loop system, and the overlap portion staysfastened together. Medial retainer loop portion 144 is dimensioned toallow first end 70 of anchor strap 60 to be permanently fixed to it,e.g. passing first end 70 through medial retainer loop portion 144, thenfolding first end 70 back on itself, forming a closed loop, which maythen be permanently fixed as described herein. The closed loop formed bythe folding back of first end 70 may be allowed to rest directly on thebase 146 of T-coupler 140, or in another embodiment, T-coupler 140 mayfurther comprise a horizontal bar 148 spanning medial retainer loopportion 144, and the closed loop may be allowed to rest on thehorizontal bar 148.

T-coupler 92 may be formed as a unitary piece or it may comprisesubcomponents that are assembled. The Applicants contemplate that theT-coupler 92 may be functionally or aesthetically modified, for example,the edges and corners may be rounded or curved, the T-coupler itself maybe curved, and any portion may be padded, as desired.

D. Anchoring Means

The means 100 for anchoring the second end 80 of anchor strap 60 toapparatus 200 at anchoring point 210 on the apparatus, may comprise anystructure or combination of structures that are suitable for connecting(e.g. permanently anchored) or for connecting and disconnecting (e.g.removably anchored) second end 80 to, or to and from, anchoring point210. Typically such means will permit a caretaker, store employee, orother responsible adult to connect or disconnect the straps, at the timedesired, with a reasonable amount of effort, however will not permit achild (either the one being restrained or another assisting in therestrained child's unauthorized attempt to exit the seat) to do thesame.

In one embodiment (not shown), suitable anchoring means comprisespassing second end 80 through a part of the apparatus 200 at anchorpoint 210, folding the second end back onto anchor strap 60, andpermanently or removably fixing the folded portion of second end 80 andanchor strap 60 to each other. Non-limiting examples of permanent fixinginclude: weaving, braiding, stitching, riveting, gluing, stapling,clamping, and bolting. Non-limiting examples of removable fixinginclude: tying, and providing the surfaces of folded portion and theanchor strap portion with opposite elements of a hook and loop orweb-matching system.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, suitable anchoring means 100may comprise providing second end 80 with an anchor clip or ring thatmay be permanently or removably clipped to anchor point 210. Permanentattachment may be achieved by using a clip or ring that cannot be undonewithout destruction of the clip, e.g. a single-use clip or ring.Removable attachment may be achieved either by using a clip that isremoved upon the application of sufficient force, e.g. the snap clipdescribed in Gordy at col. 2, lines 37–40, and the D-clip described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,669,118 (Frano, et al.), or by using a clip that isremoved upon being unlocked, the latter being useful in theftprevention.

As shown in FIG. 7, in yet another embodiment, anchor strap 60 maycomprise intermediate segments 62, 66 having medial ends 64, 68,respectively, and means 110 for fastening the medial ends 64, 68 to eachother. By comprising intermediate segments and fastening means, anchorstrap 60, in such an embodiment, it is advantageously provided that theadjustment of the length of anchor strap 60 is easily facilitated. It isalso advantageously provided that the removal of a child from apparatus200 is easily facilitated, e.g. the child may still be wearing all ofdevice 10 save the portion including and between the part of fasteningmeans 110 fixed to medial end 68, and anchor means 100. This latteradvantage may be important especially in situations where rapid removalof the child is desired, e.g. emergency removal. Suitable fasteningmeans 110 will comprise any means for fastening described herein asfastening means 50, wherein medial ends 64, 68 should be treated asfirst and second ends 30, 40.

As shown in FIG. 8, in still another embodiment, anchor strap 60 may beformed in a “Y” shape, comprising first ends 70 a, 70 b. It is notcritical which of the first ends is designated as 70 “a” or “b”. Bybeing formed as a “Y”, anchor strap 60, in such an embodiment, it isadvantageously provided that a single anchor strap 60 may anchor (viaanchor means 100) two ankle straps 20 a, 20 b (not shown). As such, bothof a child's legs may be safely restrained using a single device 10 thatcomprises two ankle straps 20 a, 20 b and a single anchor strap 60. Thethree intermediate segments of the “Y” 62 a, 62 b, 66, may be fixedpermanently or non-permanently, as described herein.

E. Materials

The straps 20, 60 described herein may be made of any durable materialor combination of materials. Preferably they are made of conventionalmaterials that are not unduly burdensome to wash and/or disinfect, asneeded, and which are appropriate for the environment, e.g. exposed torain, snow or cold, that they will be used in. The straps may suitablybe made from conventional fabrics, cotton, canvas, hemp, cloth,synthetic materials, e.g. nylon, vinyl, polyester, polypropylene, othersynthetic polymeric materials, acrylic, DACRON™, wool, leather, denim,and mixtures thereof. The straps may also be provided in the form of acable or other cord. When made in cords, rubber may be suitable, or ifthe cords are metallic, then a rubber or other softer coating around themetal may be desirable. However formed, the straps may be provided witha covering that provides comfort against the skin of the child, and/orpromotes hygienic use of the child safety restraining device. Suchcovering may be designed for single use, multiple use and then discard,multiple use and then cleaning and then re-use, or otherwise as will beapparent to those skilled in the art. Such covering may be formedintegrally with the straps or may be coated upon them or may be attachedto or around the straps. The straps may exhibit some bungee or elasticcharacteristics, but should be still be sufficiently strong to preventescape by the child.

The structures or combinations of structures comprising fastening means50, attaching means 90, anchoring means 100, and fastening means 110 maybe made of any material suitable for fastening, attaching, or anchoringas described herein. Comfort against the skin of the child should betaken into consideration. Thus, the materials comprising these means maybe selected so as to avoid providing undue discomfort to the child beingrestrained.

Any of the parts described herein may be padded, coated, or otherwiseprovided with a surface that contacts the child with added comfort,whilst maintaining functionality. Suitable coating materials include butare not limited to santoprene, thermoplastic polymeric materials, foam,rubber, flexible plastic, felt, and mixtures thereof.

F. Additional Features

Where suitable, any of the parts may be provided in any color, and withany form of printing, labelling, and design graphics. Advantageously,for example, advertising may be printed on the straps, e.g. to promoteawareness of an event, a sale, a service, a candidacy, a slogan, or aproduct, or the identity of the owner of the device itself. Also, wherea sponsor is providing the device for a caretaker's use, advertising mayinform the caretaker of the benefactor who is funding the presence ofthe child safety restraining device. Furthermore, any of the parts maybe glow-in-the-dark or otherwise may fluoresce. They may also bescented, e.g. with bubble-gum smell or other child-friendly smells orsimply fresh-air scent, or they may be lighted, e.g. through the use offiber optics.

The child safety restraining device may optionally be fitted with anoisemaker. The noisemaker may, in some embodiments, be turned on/off(and optionally sustained in the “on” mode, e.g. by battery operation)by a caretaker, or it may be actuated by the child's movement. Whereactuated by the child's movement, the noisemaker may be used to providean alert signal to the caretaker that the child is moving about, andwhere the noise generated is of a sufficient grade, it may indicate thatthe child is attempting to exit the seat in which they have been placedwithout authorization, thereby prompting a response from the caretakeror a helpful passerby. Alternately, regardless of the mode of actuation,the noisemaker may simply provide amusement for the child and thosearound them. Suitable noisemakers include but are not limited to bells,chimes, recorded sounds including words, sentences, phrases, songs,animal sounds and other noises, and the like.

Further variations may be made that will be obvious to one skilled inthe art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

G. Method of Making

The child safety restraining devices may be made by any conventionalmethod. One simple method is to take a length of nylon strap materialand cut two pieces to comprise the ankle strap and anchor strap. A firstend of the ankle strap may be passed through a retainer loop, foldedback on itself and stitched. A second end of the ankle strap may beprovided with two opposite sections of a hook and loop fastening system.A piece of Velcro hooks plus backing may be aligned with a piece ofVelcro loops plus backing on exterior surfaces of the second end, andthen the two pieces may be individually sewn onto their respective partsof the exterior surface of the second end. This end will be passedthrough the retainer loop and fastened back on itself during use.Arranging the ankle strap and anchor strap in a substantiallyperpendicular fashion, a first end of the anchor strap may be alignedwith a portion of the ankle strap that does not interfere with theoperation of the hook and loop system plus retainer ring fastener thatis provided to fasten the ends of the ankle strap to each other. Theoverlapping portion between the ankle strap and the anchor strap may besewn together. The second end of the anchor strap may be passed througha D-clip, folded back on itself, and stitched. Making of the device maybe adapted for automation or being performed on an assembly line as willbe evident to those skilled in the art.

1. A child safety restraining device consisting essentially of: (a) oneankle strap having a first end and a second end; (b) means for fasteningsaid first end and said second end of said ankle strap to each other;(c) one anchor strap having a first end and a second end; (d) means forattaching said first end of said anchor strap and said ankle strap toeach other; (e) means for anchoring said second end of said anchor strapto an apparatus in which a child may be seated, at an anchoring point onsaid apparatus.
 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said apparatusis selected from the group consisting of a shopping cart, a high-chair,a stroller, and an infant seat.
 3. A device according to claim 2 whereinsaid apparatus is a shopping cart.
 4. A shopping cart comprising a childsafety restraining device according to claim
 1. 5. A device according toclaim 1 wherein at least one of said straps further comprises a lengthadjuster.
 6. A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one of saidstraps is shaped as substantially flat.
 7. A device according to claim 1wherein at least one or said straps is shaped as a cord.
 8. A deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein said fastening means comprises a coupler.9. A device according to claim 8 wherein said first end or said anklestrap is fitted to a first part of said coupler and said second end ofsaid ankle strap is fitted to a second part of said coupler that iscomplimentary to said first part of said coupler.
 10. A device accordingto claim 9 wherein said first part or said coupler comprises a retainerloop and said second part of said coupler allows the length of saidankle strap to be adjusted.
 11. A device according to claim 8 whereinsaid coupler is formed as a two-part buckle.
 12. A device according toclaim 11 wherein said one part of said buckle comprises a magnet andsaid complimentary part of said buckle comprises an oppositely polarizedmagnet.
 13. A device according to claim 1 wherein said fastening meanscomprises a hook and loop system.
 14. A device according to claim 13wherein said first end of said ankle strap is fitted with a hook portionof said hook and loop system and said second end of said ankle strap isfitted with a loop portion of said hook and loop system.
 15. A deviceaccording to claim 14 wherein said fastening means further comprises aretainer loop.
 16. A device according to claim 15 wherein said first endof said ankle strap is fitted to said retainer loop and an exteriorsurface of said second end of said ankle strap is fitted with separateregions of opposite textures of said hook and loop system, such thatwhen said second end of said ankle strap is fed through said retainerloop and folded hack on itself, a substantial portion of the overlappingsurface area comprises opposite textures of said hook and loop system.17. A device according to claim 1 wherein said fastening means comprisesa web matching system.
 18. A device according to claim 1 wherein saidattaching means comprises said first end of said anchor strap and anoverlapping portion of said ankle strap being fixed to each other.
 19. Adevice according to claim 18 wherein said ankle strap and said anchorstrap are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other.
 20. Adevice according to claim 1 wherein said attaching means comprises saidfirst end of said anchor strap being looped over said ankle strap andhack onto itself, the self-overlapping portion of said first end of saidanchor strap being fixed to said anchor strap.
 21. A device accordingclaim 1 wherein said fastening means and said attaching means are formedintegrally.
 22. A device according to claim 21 wherein said integrallyformed means comprises a T-coupler.
 23. A device according to claim 22wherein said T-coupler comprises two lateral retainer loops and a medialretainer loop.
 24. A device according to claim 23 wherein said first endof said ankle strap is fitted to a first lateral retainer loop, saidsecond end of said ankle strap is fitted to a second lateral retainerloop, and said first end of said anchor strap is fitted to said medialretainer loop.
 25. A device according to claim 23 wherein said medialretainer loop further comprises a horizontal bar, spanning said medialretainer loop.
 26. A device according to claim 24 wherein the raveningmeans portion of said integrally formed means comprises a hook and loopsystem.
 27. A device according to claim 26 wherein an exterior surfaceof said second end of said ankle strap is fitted with separate regionsof opposite textures of said hook and loop system, such that when saidsecond end of said ankle strap is fed through said second lateralretainer loop and folded back on itself, a substantial portion of theoverlapping surface area comprises opposite textures of said hook andloop system.
 28. A device according to claim 24 wherein the attachingmeans portion of said integrally formed means comprises said first endof said anchor strap being passed through said medial retainer loop andback onto itself, the self-overlapping portion of said first end of saidanchor strap being fixed to said anchor strap.
 29. A device according toclaim 22 wherein said T-coupler is formed as a unitary piece.
 30. Adevice according to claim 22 wherein said T-coupler comprisessubcomponents that are assembled.
 31. A device according to claim 1wherein said anchoring means comprises said second end of said anchorstrap being passed through a part of said apparatus at said anchoringpoint and back onto itself, the self-overlapping portion of said secondend of said anchor strap being fixed to said anchor strap.
 32. A deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein said anchoring means comprises said secondend of said anchor strap being provided with a “D”-shaped anchoringmember capable of being fixed to said anchoring point.
 33. A deviceaccording to claim 32 wherein said D-shaped anchoring member is selectedfrom the group consisting of a D-clip and a D-ring.
 34. A deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein said anchor strap comprises twointermediate segments having medial ends and means for fastening saidmedial ends to each other.
 35. A device according to claim 1 whereinsaid anchor strap is formed in a “Y” shape, said ankle strap and a firstarm of said “Y” being attached to each other, and wherein said devicefurther comprises: (a) a second ankle strap having a first end and asecond end; (b) means for fastening said first end and second end ofsaid second ankle strap to each other; (c) and means for attaching saidsecond ankle strap and a second arm of said “Y” to each other.
 36. Adevice according to claim 1 wherein at least one strap is made from amaterial selected from the group consisting of cotton, canvas, hemp,cloth, nylon, vinyl, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, wool, leather,denim, and combinations thereof.
 37. A device according to claim 1wherein at least one component is coated with a material selected fromthe group consisting of santoprene, thermoplastic polymeric materials,foam, rubber, flexible plastic, felt, and combinations thereof.
 38. Adevice according to claim 1 wherein at least one component is providedwith printing, labelling, or design graphics.
 39. A device according toclaim 38 wherein said printing, labelling, or design graphics comprisean advertisement or an informative communication.
 40. A device accordingto claim 1 further comprising a noisemaker.
 41. A device according toclaim 40 wherein said noisemaker is actuated by the movement of a childbeing restrained by said device.
 42. A child safety restraining deviceconsisting essentially of: (a) one ankle strap having a first end and asecond end; (b) a coupler, wherein: (i) said first end of said anklestrap is fitted to a first part of said coupler, said first part of saidcoupler comprising a retainer loop; and (ii) said second end or saidankle strap is fitted to a second part of said coupler that iscomplimentary to said first part of said coupler, said second part ofsaid coupler allowing the length of said ankle strap to be adjusted; (c)one anchor strap having a first and a second end, wherein: (i) saidfirst end of said anchor strap and an overlapping portion of said anklestrap are fixed to each other; and (ii) said second end of said anchorstrap is provided with an anchoring D-clip capable of being fixed to anapparatus in which a child may be seated, at an anchoring point on saidapparatus.
 43. A method of restraining a seated child comprising thesteps of: (a) identifying a child seated in an apparatus in which achild may be seated; and (b) applying a device according to claim 1 tosaid child, comprising, in any order, the steps of: (i) placing saidankle strap around an ankle of said child and fastening said first endand said second end of said ankle strap to each other; and (ii)anchoring said anchor strap to said apparatus.
 44. A method according toclaim 43 wherein step (b)(ii) is performed by a person other than theperson performing step (b)(i), and step (b)(ii) is performed before step(b)(i).
 45. A method of increasing the safety of a seated childcomprising the steps of: (a) identifying a child seated in an apparatusin which a child may be seated; and (b) applying a device according toclaim 1 to said child, comprising, in any order, the steps of: (i)placing said ankle strap around an ankle of said child and fasteningsaid first end and said second end of said ankle strap to each other;and (ii) anchoring said anchor strap to said apparatus.
 46. A method ofrestraining a seated child comprising the steps of: (a) identifying achild seated in an apparatus in which a child may be seated; and (b)applying a device according to claim 35 to said child, comprising, inany order, the steps of: (i) placing said ankle strap around an ankle ofsaid child and fastening said first end and said second end of saidankle strap to each other; and (ii) anchoring said anchor strap to saidapparatus.
 47. A method according to claim 46 wherein step (b)(ii) isperformed by a person other than the person performing step (b)(i), andstep (b)(ii) is performed before step (b)(i).
 48. A method of increasingthe safety of a seated child comprising the steps of: (a) identifying achild seated in an apparatus in which a child may be seated; and (b)applying a device according to claim 35 to said child, comprising, inany order, the steps of: (i) placing said ankle strap around an ankle ofsaid child and fastening said first end and said second end of saidankle strap to each other: and (ii) anchoring said anchor strap to saidapparatus.